When I first decided to get fit (about 5 years ago now) I started out walking. I wore blue jeans with a regular t-shirt and wore casual shoes. I soon realized that for what I needed to do that this would never do. So I went to Walmart and got the only athletic gear that they had, which was basketball shorts and regular tennis shoes and that’s what I started with.
Over time I’ve refined this as circumstances dictated and have found that little tweaks in my gear can make a big difference not only in comfort but in performance. So here are a few hard-won lessons that I’ve discovered over the years and miles.
Footwear
Now even the most novice runner will know the importance of having proper footwear. When you really get deep into it you will have to make a choice between lightweight footwear and well padded footwear. If you read websites and articles you will be bombarded by all sorts of buzzwords and “new technologies” and you may be tempted to dismiss all of this as foolishness.
But the thing is that some types of footwear do make a difference. I got rid of the clunky tennis shoes that I bought at Walmart in about 3 months and graduated to a pair of Brooks running shoes recommended to me by the staff at a dedicated athletic shoe store. I still remember the first run. The shoes almost felt like they were begging me to run. I had a literal spring in my step. Now I can’t recommend these shoes for you. Your feet are your business and these may feel terrible to you and maybe another brand of shoes might be better for you. You may not even need expensive shoes. I know a guy who bought a pair of knock off sneakers at a flea market for $25 and used them for 5 years. All I can tell you that the proper footwear can make the difference between feeling good at the end of your run or feeling achy and tired.
Clothes
The lighter the better obviously but you also want clothes that will wick away moisture from you as you run. Regular cotton t-shirts are generally closed knitted and don’t let heat escape and they soak up moisture and make you feel clammy and heavy. What you want is a mesh like material that let’s air breathe through as you run and that let’s water or sweat drain.
As to shorts you want something a little closer fitting, not too loose. Pockets are also a good idea.
Gear
I started out running with nothing but the clothes on my back and my house key. I added a pedometer watch but I found that a little bit limited in function. Last year I bought a smartphone with a pedometer function and I carry it on my armband. Not just handy for keeping track of my mileage but a useful backup in case anything happens on the road. I found a good plastic waterproof case that protects the phone from the rain and my sweat and so far the system is working out great.
I don’t generally go in for other items like sunglasses or hats or sweat bands. I prefer to go lighter. Besides which I generally run before the sun’s up anyways.
Winter running may require an extra layer but I’ve gone out in shorts and t-shirt in 30something temperatures in February and returned soaked in sweat. You just have to tough out the first few minutes till you warm up. One thing you do want to mind is cold wind or snow. That’s when you should add a layer.
The right gear won’t turn you into a world-class marathon runner or break records but for the average runner it can make the difference between sticking with the sport or quitting from frustration.
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